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AIR RCEF March 23, 2017 Feature 21 Dropping in on science O PERATION Southern Discovery has concluded its second season of enabling deep-field science projects through its support of the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD). Between November last year and February, C-17A Globemasters from No. 36 Squadron flew six missions to the Wilkins Aerodrome runway in Antarctica, delivering 84 passengers and 57.5 tonnes of cargo. On return flights, they brought back 85 passengers and 29.5 tonnes of cargo, and carried loads including AAD helicopters, snow vehicles and a member requiring aeromedical evacuation. Drums containing 8000 litres of aviation fuel were also airdropped for a science project that will investigate the contribution of the East Antarctic ice sheet to sea-level rise. AAD operations manager Robb Clifton said fuel had traditionally been delivered by locally based helicopters or ski-equipped aircraft. “It takes a suitable weather window and numerous flights over several days to move the same amount of fuel as delivered by the C-17A in a single mission,” Mr Clifton said. “Supporting deep-field science projects with fuel, equipment and rations is often our biggest challenge.” FLTLT Justin McFadden piloted the fuel airdrop mission on December 1. A C-17A conducts an airdrop over the Antarctic as part of Operation Southern Discovery. Photo: Justin Hallam The aircraft flew a 7600km round trip and delivered to a drop zone 500km west of Wilkins Aerodrome. “The drop consisted of 10 container delivery store bundles, totalling 40 drums of aviation fuel,” FLTLT McFadden said. “The mission was 11 hours long, departing Avalon Airport in Victoria and landing at Hobart. The fuel plan- ning was quite complex due to the fluid and unpredictable weather patterns to the south.” The C-17A crew dropped their supplies on the bull’s-eye. Our Globemaster has proved an efficient lab assistant to Antarctic researchers, Eamon Hamilton reports “We caught a break in the weather and were able to drop in visual conditions, placing the first container 25 metres from the intended point of impact,” FLTLT McFadden said. “There were no damaged or leaking drums and the AAD personnel were very happy and appreciative of Defence’s efforts.” Army’s 176 Air Dispatch Squadron, which prepares these loads, went to considerable effort to ensure the fuel drums wouldn’t burst on landing. Another consideration was how the aerial delivery equipment (ADE) was managed following the drop. Parachutes and rigging lines can be dragged by winds, snagged on loads or on ground features, or otherwise rendered unsuitable for future use. LCPL Ashleigh Shannon, an air dispatcher with 176 AD SQN, worked as part of the team that prepared the 44-gallon drums for airdrop to Antarctica. “We had to prevent any damage to our equipment without an air dispatcher on the ground to help with recovery,” LCPL Shannon said. “We created an informational video highlighting key aspects of recovery of parachutes and other ADE to help maintain their serviceability. “The video that was made for AAD will be useful for years to come and hopefully we will be able to deliver their goods again.” The RA review deadline is coming. The annual Rent Allowance (RA) review is coming soon. This review checks your personal circumstances and confirms your ongoing RA eligibility. Youcan get ready for the review now by updating your personal circumstances in Online Services, and obtaining acurrent rent receipt or tenant ledger from your real estate agent. From 23 March if you areselected for the review: •you will receive an email notification and be notified via your dashboardinOnline Services •you then need to log in to Online Services, upload your tenant ledger and answer eight simple questions. Get ready now to avoid missing the RA review deadline. Visit our dedicated RA review web page for further information. dha.gov.au/rareview 139 342